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With less than a month to go until Back to the Beginning, fans are looking forward to the lineup that is packed full of metal and hard rock icons.
The star-studded event will take place in the heart of the country, at Villa Park in Birmingham. The show will be hosted by Jason Momoa and is set to be a monumental moment in music history.
The group that started it all begins the lineup. With a discography that helped to shape the majority of other acts in attendance, their presence is highly anticipated. All four original members will reunite for the first time in over twenty years - a long-awaited event that has been speculated about for years. Expect to hear their iconic hits such as 'War Pigs' and 'Iron Man'.
Ozzy Osbourne
Looking past his time with the above band, Ozzy's solo career revitalized his image as a musician and continues to be massively respected. His solo career featured legendary guitar licks from his prior musical partner, Randy Rhoads, who passed away back in 1982. Giving Ozzy a spotlight as both a soloist and with his work with Black Sabbath is only right, considering this is his final appearance on the stage.
Metallica
Arguably, the biggest name in the wide field of metal, Metallica, has pioneered the scene as it exists today. Described as a pioneer of the sub-genre thrash metal, their extensive career has been widely listened to and loved by their mass of fans base. From 'Ride the Lightning' to '...And Justice for All', there is no lack of premium quality metal to select for their set.
Guns N' Roses
Since their conception in 1985, this group has made a name for itself through Axel Rose's distinct vocals and the outstanding guitar playing of Slash. After their iconic album 'Appetite for Destruction', they took an interesting shift, experimenting with other genres such as grunge. Whilst some fans are indecisive about their later music, there is no question that this group has cemented itself in music history.
Slayer
Founded in 1981, Slayer is known as one of the 'big four' of thrash metal, with all being in attendance except for Megadeth. The 1986 album 'Reign in Blood' shot the band to success within the scene. Even today, it's hard to find yourself at a metal-themed event without hearing the distinctive opening riff of their brilliant song 'Rain in Blood'.
Tool
This American-based group stands out for its focus on experimentation within sound and visual identity. The four-piece has released five studio albums since their conception in 1990, as well as gained critical acclaim internationally throughout their career. While they've been described as everything from post-metal to art rock, it's clear that the band has roots in hard rock and heavy metal influences such as Ozzy.
Pantera
This heavy metal band has influences rooted in groove metal and classic rock. After the group's first UK appearance in over twenty years at last year's Download festival, the group embarked on a world tour that has been well received by both fans and critics. Over a selection of albums, they have created a portfolio of hard-hitting songs that are sure to be major crowd pleasers. Expect hits such as 'Walk', 'Floods', and 'Cowboys from Hell'.
Gojira
When considering the modern metal scene, French group Gojira is often at the forefront of discussion. After their performance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, their fanbase has grown outside its previous realm of progressive and groove metal fans. The group is another example of this lineup that has pushed the beginning ideas of heavy metal and hard rock into a new, more experimental territory. It seems they are consistently moving from strength to strength at the moment.
Alice in Chains
One of the most defining names during the emergence of the Seattle grunge movement will be in attendance. Grunge is deeply rooted in the beginning of heavy metal and harder rock that bands such as Black Sabbath established, so the representation within this gig is great to see. Jerry Cantrell has created an image for himself that dually relies on his roots with Alice in Chains and his later solo projects. Seeing him with the rest of his bandmates will be an exciting opportunity for any grunge fans in attendance.
Halestorm
Halestorm has gained enormous traction in recent years, even though they began back in 1997. Their style of hard rock and metal is definitely reminiscent of bands that paved the way for this group. Lzzy Hale is a fantastic frontwoman who has massively helped push women to the forefront of the current metal scene.
Lamb of God
This Virginia band has established its name through playing groove, death, and thrash-influenced metal. All musicians in this group are talented at their craft, and their live shows prove why they have been so successful. Their hits include 'Laid to Rest' and 'Memento Mori'.
Anthrax
Anthrax is another of the 'big four' of metal to grace this lineup. Formed back in 1981, the group has helped develop metal into the sound it is known as today. Many of the more recently formed bands that will be in attendance are sure to have been inspired by this New York-based five-piece.
Mastodon
This heavy metal band has encountered critical acclaim for its impressive songwriting abilities. Their self-titled 2008 record is a fan favourite, which will undoubtadely be recognised by the fanbase in attendance at Back to the Beginning.
Rival Sons
Described as having a sound which dabbles more broadly in rock, Rival Sons finish the primary lineup. After being active in their craft for over seventeen years, it is no surprise that this group is recognised for their showmanship. As well as Black Sabbath, this band finds influences in icons such as The Doors and Led Zeppelin.
This isn't all the day has to offer. There has also been confirmation of a star-studded selection of additional guest performances. The gig will take place on 5th July, and with a lineup full of such brilliant and varied musicians, this is sure to be one that isn't forgotten anytime soon.
